The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, has arrived in Beijing for the first stage of his mission to China, which will continue tomorrow in Shanghai.
Today’s programme began with a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, aimed at strengthening the Italy–China economic partnership. The two Ministers subsequently opened the 16th Joint Economic Commission, the main bilateral cooperation mechanism in the economic field within the framework of the Global Strategic Partnership established between the two countries in 2004. This is the first high-level bilateral engagement with China in 2026, following the 12th Government Committee hosted in Rome last October. The two Ministers will then chair the Italy–China Business Forum, bringing together around 50 leading Italian and Chinese companies, and will attend the signing of the Italy–China Action Plan on e-commerce. The Action Plan includes, inter alia, the establishment of “Italy Pavilions” and promotional showcases for Made in Italy products on major Chinese e-commerce platforms. Discussions will also address ways to encourage new qualified Chinese investments in Italy, Chinese export controls on rare earths and critical minerals, and improving access to the Chinese market for Italian companies.
The Foreign Minister will then hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which bilateral issues and major international crises will be addressed. Following the visit to China by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Tajani will underline the decisive role that China can play in encouraging Moscow and promoting credible negotiations for a cessation of the conflict in Ukraine.
On the Middle East crisis, Tajani will reiterate concern over the suspension of talks between the United States and Iran and over the economic and energy impact of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that China’s contribution is crucial in facilitating the resumption of negotiations and mediating with Tehran.
Regarding the impact of the Hormuz blockade on fertiliser prices, whose increase risks having serious consequences for agriculture in Africa and other fragile regions, Tajani will call for China’s cooperation, as the world’s leading producer of fertilisers. The Minister will also reaffirm Italy’s support for UN initiatives for the transport of fertilisers and humanitarian goods through the Strait.
